Celebrities like Tyra Banks and Vanessa Minnillo from Entertainment Tonight are donning 'fat suits' to experience what it's like to be fat and illuminating their experience for the American public. For an ever increasing number of Americans Tyra and Vanessa's experience is their reality. At the end of the day they are unable to shed their 'fat suit' and lead a thin life. The mind set of many is based in fear thinly veiled as sarcasm, disdain, rudeness and plain old meanness, after all next year they very well could be the one struggling with weight issues.
Obesity numbers are soaring. As the numbers keep increasing so do the health risks of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and joint disease associated with obesity. This trend becomes less of an appearance issue more of a health issue. There is a growing body of research that shows the benefit of fitness even if you're overweight. You don't have to be a size 8 to be healthy. Being fit with healthy habits is much more important for your health than the number on the scale or the size of your jeans. Studies are showing that it is better to be active and overweight than inactive and thin. This by no means negates the long term effect of unhealthy habits. The old adage "You are what you eat" is even more prevalent today with the overwhelming number of food choices and food additives available to us. These studies are showing that with healthy eating habits and regular exercise you can be healthy at the size you are.
Healthy habits are the three sides of a triangle, eating healthy, getting fit, and
managing stress. The benefits of being fit can affect all areas of your life. improved cardiovascular health means you won't be out of breath going up the stairs, improved mobility and flexibility means your joints will move easier and you'll be able to easily tie your shoes, and increased endurance can mean more energy to enjoy life. There's no way around it though, getting fit involves exercise. This doesn't mean hours each day at the gym. All you need is five thirty minute sessions a week. Do what you love dance, walk, skip, jump rope anything that gets your heart rate up. Increase the intensity as you are
able. Don't have time for 30 minutes? Try two 15 minute sessions instead. The point is to get moving. Your aim is a brisk 3.5 mile per hour pace and you're on your way to becoming fit.
Eating healthy is all about choices. Sometimes the choices are not easy ones. It's hard to say no to all those foods you've grown to love. Choosing to eat nutritious foods like fruit, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains instead of fried foods, sugary snacks, and sodas takes practice and perseverance. It does not mean depriving yourself, starving, or
eating tasteless food.
There are also emotional ties to food that can be difficult to manage. It helps to identify those situations that trigger emotional eating and develop a plan to fill substitute for the food. If you're in the habit of comforting yourself with Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia after a stressful day put a note on the freezer door that says" I now deal with stress by______________" and fill in the blank with your plan. A successful eating plan involves choosing healthy versions of the foods you enjoy, trying new things, and
allowing for the occasional indulgence.
Who doesn't love a great dessert now and then? It's important to make sure now and then doesn't become every day. Taste buds change over time you will find that your taste for junk food does diminish as you eat healthier, just as it increases as you eat more junk food. This was well documented in the movie Super Size Me. To be successful your eating plan has to fit into your lifestyle and provide food you enjoy.
Cathy Brennan RN,Professional Coach helps busy women develop personalized wellness strategies to feel great and live fully , visit http://www.pathwayscoach.com for your free e-recipe book and Healthy Living E-zine, e-mail coach@pathwayscoach.com or call 860-774-0006 for more information.
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